In this article, I will compare two small air purifiers: the Hamilton Beach TrueAir and the Levoit Core Mini.
These are minimalistic air purifiers with few advanced features, except for the Aroma Pad, which is unique to the Levoit.
The Core Mini covers rooms up to 72 sq. ft. (6.7 m²), while the Hamilton Beach TrueAir covers slightly larger rooms up to 160 sq. ft. (15 m²). The Levoit Core Mini uses three-stage filtration technology: a pre-filter, a HEPA filter, and an activated carbon filter. In contrast, the Hamilton Beach TrueAir uses only a washable HEPA-grade filter. Neither of these purifiers uses a True HEPA filter.
In terms of design, the Levoit Core Mini looks more modern and has better build quality, whereas the Hamilton Beach TrueAir has a somewhat old-fashioned design.
Our Verdict
After analyzing both air purifiers and comparing their performance, noise levels, and power consumption, the Levoit Core Mini comes out on top. It performs better in tests, is generally quieter, looks more modern, and has superior filtration technology compared to the Hamilton Beach TrueAir.
Even though the Levoit Core Mini has smaller coverage than the Hamilton Beach TrueAir, it performed much better in all the performance tests.
However, I suggest you look at other similar air purifiers, as there are many devices in the same class with much better performance. Therefore, check out some of our reviews or simply ask a question in the comment section below the article if you have any doubts regarding these two air purifiers.
Specs: Levoit Core Mini Vs Hamilton Beach TrueAir
| Product Image |  |  |
| Manufacturer | Levoit | Hamilton Beach |
| Model | Core Mini | TrueAir |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 6.5 x 6.5 x 10.4 inches (16.4 x 16.4 x 26.4 cm) | 6 x 8.5 x 13.54 inches (15.2 x 21.6 x 34.4 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 2.2 lb (1 kg) | 5.74 lb (2.6 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 46 CFM (78 m³/h) | - |
| Coverage (4.8 ACH)
Room Coverage Explanation: ACH is a measurement used in indoor air quality management to indicate how many times the air within a defined space is changed/moved through the filter media.
For more details, visit our ACH calculator tool. | 72 sq. ft. (6.7 m²) | 160 sq. ft. (15 m²) |
| Performance Ratings Performance Ratings Score Summary: 8.3 - Average Score (83 products) 9.8 - Best Score (2 products) 1 - Worst Score (1 products) We use the Temtop LKC-1000S laser particle meter to test the particle removal efficiency of every air purifier. It measures PM2.5 (µg/m3), PM10 (µg/m3), Particles (per/L), and HCHO (mg/m3) in the air, and also calculates the AQI. You can read more about our testing methodology here. | ||
| Filtration Technology | Pre-filter, HEPA Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter | HEPA-grade Filter |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | No |
| Filter Life | 4-6 months | 3-6 months |
| Power Consumption
Power Usage Summary: Our extensive testing of 83 air purifiers revealed the following power consumption insights:
Check out our power consumption calculator tool. | 7W | 44W |
| Operating Costs Ratings Operating Costs Ratings Score Summary: 9 - Average Score (83 products) 10 - Best Score (2 products) 1.7 - Worst Score (1 products) We measure the power usage at all speeds using an energy meter, after which we calculate how much it would cost to use the device at a particular fan speed for one month. For reference, we use an energy price of $0.12 per kWh. You can read more about our testing methodology here. | ||
| Number of Fan Speeds | 3 – Speed 1, Speed 2, and Speed 3 | 3 – Whisper Clean, Med, and Quick Clean |
| Air Quality Sensor Air Quality Sensor Summary: Out of 83 air purifiers tested, only 41 have the air quality sensor. | No | No |
| Air Quality Indicator | No | No |
| Auto Mode Auto Mode Summary: Out of 83 air purifiers tested, only 42 have auto mode functionality. | No | No |
| Smart App Smart App Summary: Out of 83 air purifiers tested, only 26 have smart app functionality. | No | No |
| Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 83 air purifiers tested, only 25 have voice control functionality. | No | No |
| Other Features | Aroma Pad | - |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 41.8 – 53.6 dBA | 45.2 – 54.9 dBA |
| Noise Ratings Noise Ratings Score Summary: 9.3 - Average Score (83 products) 10 - Best Score (1 products) 8.2 - Worst Score (1 products) We use a special noise measurement tool to test the noise level of the air purifier at all speeds. We measured the noise level on the dBA scale. You can read more about our testing methodology here. | ||
| Best Suited For | Low Energy Cost Portable Use Quiet Operation | Small Spaces |
| Warranty | 2-year | 1-year |
| In-Depth Review | Levoit Core Mini | Hamilton Beach TrueAir |
| Price |
Particle Removal Test – Comparison
These two air purifiers don’t have a significant CADR, meaning they are suitable for small rooms.
The Levoit Core Mini is suitable for rooms up to 72 sq. ft. (6.7 m²), while the Hamilton Beach TrueAir is suitable for rooms up to 160 sq. ft. (15 m²). In their recommended room sizes, both air purifiers will clean the air 4.8 times in one hour.
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the Levoit Core Mini and Hamilton Beach TrueAir in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
Based on their room coverage, we tested them in two different rooms that are most suitable for these devices.
In the first test, in a room of 120 sq. ft. (11 m²), the Levoit Core Mini produced much better results. It improved air quality by 91%, while the Hamilton Beach TrueAir improved it by about 88%.
In the second test, in a slightly larger room of 194 sq. ft. (18 m²), the result also favored the Levoit. It improved air quality by about 89%, while the Hamilton Beach improved it by about 82%.
Both air purifiers worked at their maximum speeds for a period of 60 minutes.
Not only did the Levoit Core Mini win these two tests, but it also proved to be a much better option in odor neutralization tests. This is primarily due to the fact that it has an activated carbon filter, which the Hamilton Beach doesn’t.
Smoke Box Test – Comparison
To achieve the best results in a smoke test, an air purifier should have a large airflow and highly effective filtration technology.
Considering that these two air purifiers don’t have significant airflow and their filtration technology is not top-notch for odors, smoke, and VOCs, I expected slightly poorer results in this test.
However, what really surprised me was that the Levoit Core Mini removed all the smoke from the glass box 11 seconds faster, especially since this device is intended for smaller rooms compared to the Hamilton Beach.
It took the Levoit 74 seconds to remove all the smoke from the glass box, while the Hamilton Beach TrueAir took 85 seconds to do the same.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
Measuring and comparing noise levels was an easy task, especially since these two air purifiers have only three fan speeds.
Neither of them has a sleep mode, which is a huge drawback, especially for Hamilton Beach. At the lowest speed, the Hamilton Beach TrueAir produces noise of 45.2 dBA, while the Levoit Core Mini is almost 4 dBA quieter at 41.8 dBA.
Noise Levels - Comparison
Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the Levoit Core Mini Vs Hamilton Beach TrueAir air purifiers.
At the maximum speed, the situation is similar but with a smaller difference. The Hamilton Beach TrueAir produces a sound of 54.9 dBA, while the Levoit Core Mini produces a slightly quieter noise of 53.6 dBA.
| Fan Speed | Levoit Core Mini (dBA) | Hamilton Beach TrueAir (dBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Speed 1 (Low) | 41.8 dBA | 45.2 dBA |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 46.5 dBA | 51.8 dBA |
| Speed 3 (High) | 53.6 dBA | 54.9 dBA |
What I can say is that both these air purifiers are very quiet, and the only objection I have is the noise level of the Hamilton Beach TrueAir at the lowest speed. Other than that, these are among the quietest air purifiers we tested.
I would give a slight advantage to the Levoit Core Mini in this test.
Operating Costs – Comparison
Regarding power use, the difference between these two air purifiers is much larger than the difference in noise production.
Monthly Power Consumption Cost Comparison
Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the Levoit Core Mini Vs Hamilton Beach TrueAir air purifiers at all fan speeds.
The Levoit Core Mini uses a small motor of just 7W, while the Hamilton Beach TrueAir uses a motor of 44W. Frankly, the Hamilton Beach’s motor power is too large, especially considering its airflow. There are many competitive air purifiers with smaller motors but higher CADR.
If you used these two air purifiers at their maximum speeds, 24 hours daily, for a period of one month, your electricity bill would increase by about $0.63 for the Levoit Core Mini and by an incredible $2.97 for the Hamilton Beach TrueAir.
| Fan Speed | Levoit Core Mini (W + $/month) | Hamilton Beach TrueAir (W + $/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 0W ($0) | 0W ($0) |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 1W ($0.09) | 9.1W ($0.8) |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 2.8W ($0.25) | 17.2W ($1.51) |
| Speed 3 (High) | 7.2W ($0.63) | 33.9W ($2.97) |
However, even though the Hamilton Beach TrueAir uses a much larger motor and consumes much more power than the Levoit, it also uses a washable/permanent filter, making it overall much cheaper for annual maintenance than the Levoit Core Mini.
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